Tumbleweed Fever

L.J. Maas
Yellow Rose Books
193092805X

In Tumbleweed Fever, a debut novel by L. J. Maas, it's the late 1800s and cowhands in the Oklahoma territory have been finding notes tied to blowing tumbleweed. The notes, apparently written by a woman, ring with a romantic longing and loneliness. Trying to figure out who is the author of these missives, has become a popular passtime at the local saloons and ranch hands who are enamored with the mystery are said to suffer from "Tumbleweed Fever." One of those ranch hands, or "riders," who has fallen under the spell of these notes is Devlin Brown. Tall, dark and deadly, Devlin is a reformed outlaw who is struggling to leave her past behind.

Much to her surprise, Devlin finds herself coming to the aid of Sarah Tolliver, the recently widowed mother of two children, who is trying to continue on the ranch she and her late husband homesteaded. Intelligent and capable, not to mention stubborn and articulate, the small, blond widow is not what Devlin expects her to be. Indeed, over the year the two women spend working the Double Deuce Ranch together, Devlin finds the attraction she held for the mystery writer of the tumbleweed notes being displaced by her growing respect, attraction, and love for Sarah. Readers of Tumbleweed Fever might notice from the characters and the redemption theme plot, that it is a "traditional uber-Xena" story. In addition to characters, there are a few direct references to the Xena TV show that fans will recognize, including the "soulmate" concept. Interestingly the American West locale is apparently a fairly popular uber setting. This reader knows of at least two other published uber novels set in the 19th century American West.

Of Maas' current three novels, this first effort is not her best work. The plotting is not as tight; there are some odd incongrencies; a few story lines are not as fleshed out as one might wish; and the uber references are sometimes detracting. However, with each novel since Tumbleweed Fever, Maas' storytelling improves. None So Blind and Meridio's Daughter, Maas' second and third novels have much fewer of these faults and are much better entertainment.
Even with these mild annoyances, Tumbleweed Fever is a very engaging novel. One can't help but enjoy the charm of Sarah and her family, to root for the triumph of Devlin over her past, and finally relish the couple's realization that their love is mutual. The plot is fast moving and interesting, including depictions of a band of Choctaws (who remind us that condemnation of women who love women is a Judeo-Christian concept that did not enjoy sway in most Native American cultures). This reader is looking forward to Maas' soon to be released sequel, "Prairie Fire" -- Maas' first unposted novel -- to find out what happens with Sarah and Devlin as they continue their life together.
-MJ Lowe

None so Blind

L. J. Maas
Yellow Rose
1930928130

L.J. Maas has written a captivating and touching romance of unrequited love and survival against difficult odds in None So Blind.

Torrey Gray and Taylor Kent -- who bear a striking resemblance to the actors Renee O'Connor and Lucy Lawless -- first meet at the Tau Alpha Zeta sorority house when Torrey is a college freshman and Taylor a senior. It is August 1981. The two legacy sisters make an unlikely duo but become fast friends. The openly lesbian and rebellious, art student, Taylor, does have a tendency to lead the younger Torrey into trouble. Yet the genuinely kind, caring and responsible Torrey has a stabilizing effect on her friend.

These talented, intelligent and likable women live together for almost four years during their late adolescence. Both women finish college. Torrey writes her first book while Taylor begins her art career. The best friends support one another as they struggle in those vulnerable, challenging years of early adulthood. They also carefully, and perhaps unconsciously, intentionally misunderstand one another. Taylor assumes the younger Torrey isn't gay and Torrey assumes Taylor isn't attracted to her. Or to paraphrase Torrey, "sometimes love isn't blind, she's just plain stupid." (364)

Although they've never lost touch with one another, the two women went their separate ways when the strain of their miscommunication hurt too much to continue to live together. Some 15 years later, Torrey asks for Taylor's help and, as promised, Taylor will do her best to help.

Maas does a wonderful job weaving the past and present together as the women find themselves meeting again after so many years. Unrequited love can be very bittersweet as achingly depicted in Torrey's first interaction with Kat in New York in 1991. Both women realize that almost two decades of maturity has increased their understanding of themselves and each other; as well as their potential for happiness together and the capacity for love. Maas deals sensitively with issues of coming out and substance abuse over the course of the story. She provides an erotic denouement that is romantic, loving and electric.

The practice of Tai-Chi and particularly the Tai-Chi symbol -- more popularly known as the "yin yang" symbol -- is a leitmotif that Maas threads through None So Blind. Perhaps my favorite example of this theme is the image of Torrey and Taylor on the night they go to Chancey's.

In addition to the lead characters' appearance, there are enough winking references to Xena for fans to recognize this as "Uber fiction." However, these references strike this reader as a pleasant inside joke more than any real connection with the show. Certainly, Torrey and Taylor are Maas' creation and a reader with no particular affinity for the show, can enjoy None So Blind, completely.

Other readers may not identify as strongly with this novel as this reviewer, who was in college during the same years as Torrey. Still, one might consider this warning should you treat yourself to this novel: Be sure you have the time to read None So Blind's 373 pages, because you won't want to put it down.

-MJ

BN: Intaglio Publications re-released None So Blind in 2006, ISBN 978-1933113449.

Meridio's Daughter

L. J. Maas
Yellow Rose Books
193092853X

Everyone has secrets in Meridio's Daughter, this fast paced thriller by L.J. Maas. Andreas Meridio is a powerful and prominent businessman and olive grower on the Greek island of Mykonos. What his daughter, Cassandra doesn't know is that he is also the "Mangas" or godfather of the Greek black market in certain illegal goods. The 25 year old Casey is returning to Greece for the first time in six years, having completed graduate work in Classical studies and anthropology. She has been chosen to assist with an archaeological dig near Athens. The petite blond has spent most of her life since the age of five in America, although each summer until she started college was spent with her father. Casey also has a secret. Her traditional, "Old World" Greek father doesn't know that his accomplished archaeologist daughter is a lesbian. Then there is Tessa Nikolaidis, the beautiful and deadly Right Hand or "Kare" of Meridio. Openly lesbian Nikki, as she is known to friends, holds the most potent secrets of all. She has reasons and plans for revenge against Meridio.

Life gets complicated when Nikki, entrusted with the safety of Meridio's daughter finds herself falling in love for the first time in her life, with Casey. It is a relationship of which Meridio would never approve. The open and honest Casey sees no reason to deny her feelings for Nikki. The two women finally compromise and begin a clandestine affair. Meanwhile Casey is once again haunted by dreams she can't remember reflecting events from 20 years ago. The same events that prompted her mother's decision to leave Greece.

Meridio's Daughter is a suspenseful and engrossing story with a few plot twists. Maas provides wonderful depictions of the Greek islands, its culture (and lesbian subculture!) as well as interesting characters. Casey's post traumatic stress is handled reasonably and moves the plot. There is plenty of erotic play for Nikki and Casey that serves to further develop the characters and their relationship.

Technically this novel could be considered Xena uber for those who might enjoy seeing it. However, happily the story requires no understanding of the show to be appreciated. L.J. Maas also created the lovely cover of this book (and several other books by this press) that matches the mood of the culture and climate. After reading Meridio's Daughter, this reader will be looking for other Maas novels.